Housing Associations and Co-ops
Housing associations play a part in providing homes in the borough. If you would like further details or personal advice, please contact the council on 020 8359 4861.
What are housing associations?
Housing associations are non-profit making organisations which provide housing for those who cannot afford to buy or rent privately. Housing associations work in partnership with councils, such as Barnet to house people from the council’s housing register and transfer list.
Who is responsible for housing associations?
A housing association must answer to:-
- its voluntary management committee
- the local authority in whose area it works
- the Housing Corporation, a government body, which regularly monitors the work of each association.
What types of homes do housing associations provide?
These are four general types:
Rented homes for general needs
Housing associations must house people from the council’s homeseekers register. You can only qualify if you are registered on the council’s homeseekers register and are in the greatest need. Most housing associations do not keep waiting lists or accept applications from individuals for their general purpose housing. Some do take referrals for their smaller homes from agencies such as housing aid centres and voluntary organisations. Only people in poor housing circumstances can be recommended.
Rented homes for those with special needs
There is an increasing number of housing associations which provide accommodation for people with special needs. Many housing associations take referrals from the council and specialist agencies. In some cases, direct applications are accepted.
Rented homes for the elderly
There are over 20 housing associations in Barnet who provide rented homes for people of retirement age. Many keep waiting lists and you can apply to them direct. Barnet Council can also recommend people for homes which have been funded by the council or Housing Corporation.
Some associations only provide homes for certain groups of elderly people.
Low cost home ownership
This is a home ownership scheme run by associations. You can buy a share in a property and pay rent on the rest. After the initial purchase and as your income increases, you can buy further shares in the property and eventually, if you wish, purchase outright.
Barnet Council is able to put people forward for available shared ownership homes. To be considered you must be on the homeseekers register and be able to pay your share with a mortgage or savings. Available homes are advertised in `The Press’ on the Home Connections website.
